‘Why am I so dramatic?’ asks embarrassed Australian Open star as she watches back major on-court meltdown about ROBOTS
TENNIS star Erin Routliffe admitted to feeling embarrassed after her on-court outburst about robots.
The 29-year-old went into meltdown during her third round women’s doubles clash at the Australian Open yesterday.
Routliffe and her partner Gabriela Dabrowski were left stunned when they found out about a surprise lack of technology on the Margaret Court Arena.
The New Zealander lost her temper after the umpire failed to call a let on opponents Beatriz Haddad Maia and Laura Siegemund’s serve.
Routliffe was convinced the ball caught the top of the net on its way into the box, meaning a replay was due.
But the umpire did not spot it and gave the point to Haddad Maia and Siegemund, with the usual machine to call lets not in place.
Routliffe stared down the official and shouted: “Oh my God, we have robots everywhere but you don’t have them for the net. Oh my goodness.”
The clip went viral on social media, with last year’s Wimbledon finalist responding: “I feel like I have a point but also why so dramatic?”
Fans found it hilarious, with one saying: “We love dramatic though.”
Another added: “This is great delivery and some good drama.”
Routliffe’s reference of the “robots” comes after the Australian Open ditched line judges.
Hawk-Eye instead makes the in or out call automatically, with the classic challenge system axed.
Routliffe eventually regained her composure to win and she is now into the semi-finals of both the women’s and mixed doubles.